BikeShare in Birmingham

Press Conference to launch BikeShare Birmingham

Sidewalk Decals

Bewegen Technologies will be the vendor

REV, the City of Birmingham, and the Regional Planning Commission of Birmingham have partnered to launch a local BikeShare program, the first electric-assist system in North America, in the Fall of 2015. The system will include 400 bikes and 40 docking kiosks deployed in the City Center. Riders will be able to check out bikes for short rides through annual memberships or by swiping a credit card. Of the 400 bikes, 100 will be electric- pedal assist bikes, which will give riders a boost along Birmingham’s often challenging terrain.

“BikeShare is another forward thinking program we’re implementing in our forward-thinking city,” says Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. “It will be provide a great transportation option for our citizens, and for visitors here on business, pleasure, or for the upcoming World Games.” The City of Birmingham made the purchase of the equipment possible by pledging a match to federal funding, which was secured by the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham through the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

The Quebec- based organization Bewegen, from whom we are purchasing the bikes, has committed to manufacturing the 40 BikeShare kiosks in Alabama and plans to manufacture kiosks for future US systems here as well. Sponsor announcements are expected soon and demonstration bikes will be on the ground later this spring along with a BikeShare website and mobile application this summer!

The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham will fund startup operations and site planning work. “We’re excited that we had the opportunity to be involved with idea of BikeShare from the beginning and thanks to our donors and community partners we’re able to see it become a reality,” said Gus Heard-Hughes, Senior Program Officer at the Community Foundation. “This is a flexible, affordable transportation option that will help visitors and residents easily connect with Birmingham’s assets and contribute to the growing vibrancy of our city-center.”